Towards the Summit of Reality

Book excerpt: An Introduction to the Study of Baha'u'llah's Seven Valleys and Four Valleys This new revised edition uses the new translations of Baha'u'llah's Seven Valleys and Four Valleys. During his sojourn in Sulaymaniyah in the 1850s Baha'u'llah came into contact with eminent Sufi leaders. In the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, epistles revealed for two of them, He sets forth the foundations of a renewed spiritual path. 'Abdu'l-Baha described the Seven Valleys as 'a guide for human conduct'. This major new study focuses on the historical, doctrinal and literary background of the Seven Valley and the Four Valleys, and on Baha'u'llah's revision of Sufi concepts in the light of the teachings of His new Revelation. Part 1 explains aspects of Sufi doctrine important for an understanding of Baha'u'llah's two epistles. Part 2 looks at literary works by Sufi saints, philosophers and poets quoted by Baha'u'llah, provides background to the stories and legends mentioned, and comments on aspects of Baha'u'llah's allegorical language. Part 3 offers a concise analysis of philosophical and theological themes touched on, comparing Sufi doctrine with the explanations given by Baha'u'llah both in the epistles and in later writings. Part 4 addresses the mystical paths described in the two epistles, with the intention of encouraging personal insights. 'The Baha'i Faith is essentially mystic in character, ' writes Shoghi Effendi. 'Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers.' Comprehensive lists of quotations in the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys from the Qur'an and the Traditions are given in the Appendices.